On Monday, the police association filed a motion to intervene in the consent decree, which the city and U.S. Justice Department inked last month.

The FOP said the department's success depends on the union having a say in the process.

The union represents about 90 percent of officers in NOPD. They say they never had a seat at the table during negations.

"Fact is, if rank and file members are not part of policy and planning to make this thing work, it doesn't work," FOP spokesman Raymond Burkart said.

As part of the filing, the FOP also submitted a letter dated March 19 to Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

The union said that letter went unanswered. It expressed concerns about former U.S. attorney Sal Perricone, who was part of the consent decree team and who made disparaging comments online about the NOPD.

Legal analyst Dane Ciolino questions how effective the FOP could be even if allowed to intervene.

"Although it's a close call, they probably should be allowed to intervene. But having said that, once they do have their seat at the table -- once seated what are they going to say? And that to me more difficult, legal and PR issue," Ciolino said.

The agreement reached by the city and Justice Department spells out 492 mandates for reform. One of the mandates under fire -- according Burkart -- a change in the use of force policy, which includes a ban on pepper spray use.

"It limits what constitution actually permits and that kind of language has to be eked out. It's vaguely written," Burkart said.

Burkart said the FOP is simply trying to make sure the rights of its members are protected.

"This is not about undoing the consent decree. This is about making sure consent decree works and is practical," Burkart said.

WDSU reached out to the NOPD, city officials and the U.S. Attorney's Office for comment but they declined.